Home - Communities and Justice - NSW Government Logo
Communities and Justice

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is leading the Better Decisions for Children (Better Decisions) project. The project will review and improve the decision-making tools, practices, and processes in the NSW child protection and out of home care system across six key areas.

Better Decisions aims to: 

  • More reliably assess the safety of children now and measure their risk into the future.
  • Help more children stay safely at home with their families by understanding their family’s needs and strengths.
  • Make sure the decisions DCJ makes about children are culturally appropriate.
  • Improve the participation and partner more closely with children, families, carers, mandatory reporters, and community when working with children and families.
  • Improve consistency and quality of assessments and decision making for children in care where concerns have been raised about their safety.
Mandatory Reporter Guide
Screening Assessment
Safety Assessment
Risk Assessment
Family Strengths and Needs
Safety in Care

Consultation

DCJ is listening and learning from the people and communities who matter the most. DCJ is working closely with lots of people, organisations, peak bodies, and experts to help all of us make better decisions for children.

Learn more.

More information and advice

For more information read our frequently asked questions or email DCJ's Assessment Practice team.

Last updated:

28 Aug 2023